A Dessert Lover’s Road Trip

We’ve got a full day planned for your next sweet escape through Central Maryland.

Start: Baltimore

Finish: Frederick

Distance: 1 day, 4 stops, 95.9 miles

STOP 1

Diablo Doughnuts

3432 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD 21225

First, we fuel up for our day of sweet treats at Diablo Doughnuts. Don’t worry–they are not as evil as they sound. Diablo is a small-batch, artisan shop featuring local ingredients and good old-fashioned doughnuts with a twist. Enjoy one of their Unicorn Farts—a vanilla glazed donut covered in Fruity Pebbles—or a Captain Chesapeake (because Old Bay, duh). These popular doughnuts tend to sell out on weekends, so get there early.

Get the scoop on more delectable donut shops at “Will Travel For Food: Where To Grab Donuts In Maryland” by Amanda Rodriguez.

STOP 2

Pure Chocolate Shop by Jinji

529 E Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212

Head North through Baltimore to Pure Chocolate by Jinji. This father and daughter duo seek to reframe chocolate as a healthful food as well as honor its ancient legacy. Jinji’s chocolate focuses on supporting the wellbeing of farmers and the environment. All but one of their chocolates are vegan, and all are raw, organic, gluten free, and use no refined sugar. Pure Chocolate crafts truffles, pralines, barks, fudges, and more chocolate creations like hazelnut spread and chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Discover what other chocolate shops made our favorites list in “Will Drive For Chocolate: Three Sweet Stops” by Christine Rai.

STOP 3

Gateway Market and Candyland

14802 N Franklinville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Head to Gateway Candyland and Market for a huge sugar rush. Dubbed “The Sweetest Place in Frederick County,” this Thurmont-based business would make Willy Wonka proud. Offering over 300 varieties of candies, 20 flavors of fudge, and 40 ice cream flavors, there’s no question how it earned the title. Located along Route 15, this is a great stop for roadtrippers passing through Thurmont or on the way to your stay at Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort.

While in the area, visit Mount Tabor Park for “A Thrilling Ride at the Rocky Ridge Slide.”

STOP 4

Zoe’s Chocolate Co

121 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701

Downtown Frederick hosts our last stop, Zoe’s Chocolate Co. Chocolate has been a family business for three generations stretching back to their immigration from Greece. Their selections included some signature Greek flavors like pistachio, baklava, and pomegranate. Zoe’s chocolates are like jewels, each with its own personality and flair. They offer a range of delights, including hot chocolate mixes, bars, and special items like cacao spice rub and chocolate mustache lollipops.